I'm fortunate enough to be travelling business class on Air NZAKL-LHR next week. Despite the fact that it's a 26 hour trip, it is my first time ever in business class so I am really looking forward to it .

Anywho, I've noticed in some recent threads that Air NZ are still halfway through the 744 cabin refurbishments, so I'm wondering whether the changes will make much difference to the business class seating & service? If so, any idea if the planes I'll be on will have been refurbished?

Quoting Ants (Thread starter):Anywho, I've noticed in some recent threads that Air NZ are still halfway through the 744 cabin refurbishments, so I'm wondering whether the changes will make much difference to the business class seating & service? If so, any idea if the planes I'll be on will have been refurbished?

NZ1 and NZ2 are new cabin B744s but NZ5 and NZ6 are still new and old. NZ1 and NZ2 went new cabins on all flights last year. Enjoy your flight. Hope you can post a trip report with pics

I've never understood people that do this flight option... Were there no seats available on NZ2 out of AKL and NZ1 out of LAX?
With the way you are flying you have to go thru customs in LAX, collect your luggage, then go thru and drop it off to be transferred, then sit around for a few hours in LAX! There is nothing to do in LAX!!! Unless you have a friend meeting you its pretty crazy.... Just fly NZ2/1 all the way through and save yourself some time and hassle - only 24 hours too (they are one of only 2 flights that go thru LAX that don't have to go thru customs and security and luggage goes straight thru). The only other reason I can think of is that you want to spend a few hours in the Koru Lounge? It has just been refurbished and is very nice. Well hopefully you get a refit a/c on your NZ5/6 sectors, I personally would go NZ1/2 all the way however. If you do end up with a classic aircraft, the old 1st class seats are still in the nose section so go for those... (rows 1-3 AB, JK) Suggest the 1st 2 rows, the 3rd can be noisier.
Check out seat guru http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air...Air_New_Zealand_Boeing_747-400.php
On the refit aircraft I would recommend row 1-3, or upstairs.

Quoting Zkpilot (Reply 2):I've never understood people that do this flight option... Were there no seats available on NZ2 out of AKL and NZ1 out of LAX?

I wish I could have booked with NZ1 and NZ2 all the way but unfortunately the business seats were booked out for the AKL legs. Air NZ business seats to LHR over the next two weekends have been sold out for a number of flights so I was lucky enough to get what I did (I only booked yesterday).

Quoting Aerorobnz (Reply 6):The new config is guaranteed by then to LAX/LHR I believe...

LHR has been new config for quite a while now.

Quoting DeltaGator (Reply 3):Catch a cab and go to the In-N-Out Burger if the timing is right. Enjoy some spotting and a Double-Double "Animal Style."

You're flying business class and you're hungry??? You get a 4 course meal for dinner and breakfast is pretty much a 2.5 course affair. Thats besides the extra food that is available to Business pax. Also there is a whole bunch of food in the Koru Lounge firstly at AKL, then at LAX (or on your return trip LHR, then LAX).

Quoting Zkpilot (Reply 7):You're flying business class and you're hungry??? You get a 4 course meal for dinner and breakfast is pretty much a 2.5 course affair. Thats besides the extra food that is available to Business pax.

Actually Air New Zealand has drastically cut down the quantity of food in Business Class. I flew SFO-AKL-CHC and back on them and was quite disappointed. The serving size of the main course was minscule. Even though there were multiple courses, I didn't end up actually feeling full. And for those people that did ask for more food, the flight attendants grumbled and got an extra economy meal. As far as food goes, Air New Zealand is lacking.

If you have never designed an airplane part before, let the real designers do the work!

Quoting RoseFlyer (Reply 9):Actually Air New Zealand has drastically cut down the quantity of food in Business Class. I flew SFO-AKL-CHC and back on them and was quite disappointed. The serving size of the main course was minscule. Even though there were multiple courses, I didn't end up actually feeling full. And for those people that did ask for more food, the flight attendants grumbled and got an extra economy meal. As far as food goes, Air New Zealand is lacking.

Thats strange! Did you have the whole bread and cheeseboard selection first? Salad, Meal, Dessert.
As for extra food, they have fruit, sandwiches, muesli/fruit bars, crisps available. Most airlines don't over cater the main meals however and even if they have spare they don't normally give them out because if one pax gets and extra meal then a whole lot more want an extra meal.

Yes with the exception that the cheeses were served last (I think). The quantities of everything was just so small. The smallest of any airline in business class that I have ever experienced. I wrote a letter of concern to Air New Zealand, and they responded, but I doubt they will increase portions. NZ has obviously been cost cutting. Of course as a young adult male, I probably do consume more than others, but still the quantities were small to begin with.

If you have never designed an airplane part before, let the real designers do the work!